Effect of calcium on mineral nutrient uptake and and growth of tobacco

The aim of this work was to analyse the dynamics of the nutritional state a nd biomass production in tobacco plants resulting from the application of v arious calcium levels (Cal, 1.25 mol m(-3) CaCl2; Ca2, 2.50 mol m(-3) CaCl2 ; Ca3, 5 mol m(-3) CaCl2) in the culture medium. Tobacco plants were grown under controlled conditions and submitted to regular fertilisation with mac ro- and micronutrients. The concentrations of Ca, organic N, P, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cl and B were determined in the roots and leaves. As expect ed, Ca accumulated progressively with increasing concentration of this elem ent in the culture medium. There was a slight rise in the concentration of organic N but hardly any change in the concentrations of K and Na. In contr ast, increasing Ca application caused a gradual decline in P and Mg concent rations. In terms of micronutrient concentrations, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cl and B wer e influenced positively by Ca treatment. A noteworthy synergetic relationsh ip was found between Ca and B. In contrast, the Cu concentration in the roo ts declined significantly with increasing Ca application. The effect of Ca on biomass production depended on the organ analysed, since the dry matter content diminished in the roots but was augmented slightly in the leaves. ( C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.